Objection to Local Law 2

Mayor and Councilors,

Hepburn Shire

December 9^th 2019

Dear Mayor and Councillors,

Regarding Local Laws 2. I have concerns about:

1. Local Law no. 4.7- Scavenging;
2. Local Law no. 2.15- Trading in a public place;
3. Definition of event and public place;
4. Actively engaging community members in the development of Local Laws #2.

Local Law no. 4.7 – Scavenging

We live in a world that values sustainability.  I find the wording of this law “Scavenging” to be completely inappropriate.  Sustainability includes re-purposing waste from the tip.  For many people on low incomes this is the best economical way forward.  Therefore I respectfully request that the Shire:-

• change their wording from ‘scavenging’ to ‘salvaging’;
• begin to value salvaging as a community service and a waste minimization strategy;
• withdraw local law no.4.7 and, instead, develop guidelines for safe salvaging.

Local Law no. 2.15- Trading in a public place

To enforce this law for the sake of profit – i.e permits – is to demean the role of roadside farmgate services.  I applaud local farmers for their hard work and recognize that this work is often contributed to by the children of these households.

Therefore I respectfully request that the Shire:-

• Withdraw of Local Law2.15, and ask that the Shire, instead, develop guidelines for road-side and farm gate stalls.

Definition of ‘event’ and ‘public place’

Gathering in public places is integral to a healthy community. It strengthens community connection, welcome new comers, assist in fire preparedness, plan for community needs, build positive relationships between newcomers and long term residents, inform us of local history, to name a few. To change the law to charge people for such gathering is archaic in the extreme. Vital local groups meet for many purposes, often to raise funds to supplement local schools, projects etc.

Therefore, I respectfully request that the Shire: –

• Re-define of ‘public place’ and ‘event’ be reviewed and that this review be undertaken in consultation with a broad cross section of the community.

Actively engaging community members in the development of appropriate local laws in the face of significant and unpredictable change

I would prefer to see Hepburn Shire working in collaboration with the community to develop local laws that are in keeping with the times we live in – e.g. climate change and its drastic impact on bush viz a viz bushfires.   Council is meant to serve the people; not wrest control from the people.

Therefore, I respectfully request that the Shire: –

• Create policy to foster community connection, community innovation and community resilience and become a leader in the transition to low carbon living.

Chandra Easton